Which of the following is an example of an organism with a specialized niche?

The butterfly fish is an exemplary organism that occupies a specialized niche within its ecosystem. These fish are known for their adaptations that allow them to thrive in specific environments, particularly coral reefs. Their diet mainly consists of coral polyps, and they have developed specialized feeding behaviors and mouth structures to extract food from the reef. This specialization means they have a highly focused role in their habitat, helping to maintain the health of coral ecosystems by grazing on algal growth and competing species. Their specific adaptations and dietary preferences make them dependent on the health of coral reefs, highlighting their specialization within a particular ecological niche.

In contrast, organisms like lions, raccoons, and seagulls tend to have broader niches. Lions are apex predators with a more generalized hunting strategy, raccoons are omnivorous and adaptable, thriving in various environments, and seagulls are opportunistic feeders, often scavenging and foraging across multiple habitats. These adaptations allow them to exploit a variety of resources and environments, but they do not exemplify the same level of specialization as the butterfly fish.